Charity leaders and fundraisers are among those recognised in the New Year Honours list for “their dedication and outstanding contribution”.

This year’s list has seen a particular focus on honouring those who supported good causes amid the Covid-19 pandemic, especially young fundraisers.

This includes the youngest ever recipient, 11-year-old Tobias Weller, who has cerebral palsy and autism and was inspired to raise money by the record-breaking fundraising of Captain Sir Tom Moore amid the first Covid-19 lockdowns.

Tobias has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) after raising £157,000 for his special educational needs school, Paces, and The Children’s Hospital Charity in Sheffield, by completing sponsored walks and marathons.

“Tobias’ remarkable determination and spirit in completing his three lockdown challenges has captured the hearts and inspired people not only in Sheffield, but across the country and around the world,” said The Children’s Hospital Charity’s chief executive John Armstrong.

I have been awarded a British Empire Medal (a bit like a baby MBE) and I’m on the New Year’s Honours List.

I am the youngest recipient on record of any Medal of the British Empire and, therefore, to have an honour from The Queen.

I’m…guess what…you got it…chuffed to bits!!! pic.twitter.com/dhYZyXR3Xv

— Tobias’s Marathon Challenges (@CaptainTobias9) December 31, 2021

Another young fundraiser to receive a BEM is 12-year-old Max Woosey, who spent more than 500 nights camping outside to raise money for the North Devon Hospice. He raised £700,000 during his fundraising feat and took on the challenge in tribute to his neighbour and cancer patient Rick Abbott who passed away.

Max Woosey, @TheBoyInTheTent, has been named in the New Year's Honours list! He is awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for camping outside for 600+ consecutive nights, raising £700,000 for North Devon Hospice. Delighted to announce this news, a great way to start 2022! pic.twitter.com/INJlZeMLGQ

— North Devon Hospice (@NDevonHospice) December 31, 2021

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The honours are an opportunity for us to thank them, as a country, for their dedication and outstanding contribution.”

Charity leaders recognised

Charity sector recipients of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) include Amanda Bringans, who was director of fundraising of the British Heart Foundation from 2015 to 2020. She was also chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising for three years.

Meanwhile, Maddy Desforges, the chief executive of the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action has been awarded an OBE for services to volunteering and charity.

Also receiving an OBE is Beth Breeze, who is director of the University of Kent’s Centre for Philanthropy. She has been honoured for services to philanthropic research and fundraising.

Huge congratulations to Dr Beth Breeze OBE (!) @UKCPhilanthropy on her inclusion in the New Year's Honours List - recognising the key role her Centre for Philanthropy research has supporting so many charities' vital work across the country 🥳

— University of Kent (@UniKent) January 1, 2022

The Toybox Charity’s CEO Lynne Morris is another to receive an OBE, for supporting children globally. She said the award was a “shock”.

“I am grateful this award gives me the opportunity to raise the profile of street children around the world and highlight the completely unacceptable fact that millions of children live or work on dangerous streets, facing abuse, discrimination, rejection and more recently a terrifying global pandemic,” Morris added.

Katie Piper, who founded the Katie Piper Foundation to support victims of burns and other disfigurement injuries, has also been handed an OBE.

Well, what an incredible start to 2022. I never thought my efforts within charity would be recognised with an OBE and what’s even more amazing is the support that you all, my friends, family, followers have continued to show 💛

So a huge thank you for such lovely messages ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8UhrqxbcHR

— Katie Piper OBE (@KatiePiper_) January 3, 2022

British Skin Foundation chief executive Matthew Patey has also been recognised with an OBE. The charity’s chief operating officer Phil Brady said: “It’s fantastic to see Matthew recognised for his long-standing commitment to skin health and dermatological research.”

Meanwhile Anita Choudhrie, the founder of Path to Success, which supports female disabled athletes, has been awarded a Member of the British Empire (MBE) award for services to people with disabilities and disability sports.

Phil and Wendy Wall, who founded international development charity WeSeeHope are also awarded MBEs, for their work supporting children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This honour represents Phil and Wendy’s dedication and commitment to our work and is absolutely fitting for the couple who started it all, said WeSeeHope CEO Mark Glen.

“We have grown and progressed dramatically since then, but our core focus remains the same; to help vulnerable children develop skills to build a sustainable future. We are incredibly proud of Phil and Wendy and wish a huge congratulations to them both.”

FareShare Yorkshire’s chief executive Gareth Batty is another charity leader to be awarded an MBE.

‘I am humbled to be included in the Queen’s New Years Honours List and receiving an MBE in recognition of the work of FareShare Yorkshire,” said Batty.

“The work of the charity would not be possible without our incredibly hardworking team of staff, volunteers and Board of Trustees, who’s dedication and determination to make a difference is inspiring.

“My heartfelt thanks go to the 400 charities we work with each week who make it happen on the frontline, providing invaluable support through the provision of food. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of every single one of them.”

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me to pass on their congratulations today.

A very humbling experience but also proud of what @FareShareYorks has, and will continue to achieve in pursuit of our vision. pic.twitter.com/mnIZtuTu6b

— Gareth Batty MBE FRSA (@garethbatty) January 1, 2022

Other recipients of an MBE include, Eikon Charity founder and CEO Christopher Hickford and Angela Holdsworth, the CEO of Lancashire based The Sea View Trust, which supports young people with special needs.

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